Allison J Lazard1. 1. Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Electronic address: lazard@unc.edu.
Abstract
PURPOSE: E-cigarette use is increasing among adolescents, despite potential harms. Social media messages are a promising way to educate youth about e-cigarettes, yet little is known about what message topics and formats will have beneficial impacts for message reception, reach, e-cigarette knowledge, and beliefs about harms. METHODS:A national convenience sample of adolescents (n = 928, aged 15-18 years) in high school was recruited for an online experiment. In October 2019, participants were randomized to view one of three social media formats (visual based, quiz, and text only) or a no-message control. Participants in format conditions viewed six unique topics in a random order. Outcomes were e-cigarette knowledge and beliefs. Message reactions and sharing preferences were also assessed among youth who saw social media messages. RESULTS: Social media messages led to greater knowledge (Cohen's f = .19; p < .001) and beliefs (f = .16; p < .001) about harms of e-cigarettes compared with the control, regardless of format. Almost four in five adolescents (79%) reported they would share the social media messages, most likely in person (49%) and with friends (52%). Message topics for missing out because of lung damage, having uncontrolled moods, and ingesting specific harmful chemicals elicited higher intended message reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Social media messages can educate about e-cigarette harms. Social media campaigns are a promising e-cigarette education strategy to reach youth, directly and potentially through peer-to-peer sharing.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: E-cigarette use is increasing among adolescents, despite potential harms. Social media messages are a promising way to educate youth about e-cigarettes, yet little is known about what message topics and formats will have beneficial impacts for message reception, reach, e-cigarette knowledge, and beliefs about harms. METHODS: A national convenience sample of adolescents (n = 928, aged 15-18 years) in high school was recruited for an online experiment. In October 2019, participants were randomized to view one of three social media formats (visual based, quiz, and text only) or a no-message control. Participants in format conditions viewed six unique topics in a random order. Outcomes were e-cigarette knowledge and beliefs. Message reactions and sharing preferences were also assessed among youth who saw social media messages. RESULTS: Social media messages led to greater knowledge (Cohen's f = .19; p < .001) and beliefs (f = .16; p < .001) about harms of e-cigarettes compared with the control, regardless of format. Almost four in five adolescents (79%) reported they would share the social media messages, most likely in person (49%) and with friends (52%). Message topics for missing out because of lung damage, having uncontrolled moods, and ingesting specific harmful chemicals elicited higher intended message reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Social media messages can educate about e-cigarette harms. Social media campaigns are a promising e-cigarette education strategy to reach youth, directly and potentially through peer-to-peer sharing.
Authors: Christine M Kava; Eric K Soule; Laura Seegmiller; Emily Gold; William Snipes; Taya Westfield; Noah Wick; Rima Afifi Journal: Qual Health Res Date: 2020-11-19
Authors: Francisco Cartujano-Barrera; Ruthmarie Hernández-Torrez; Xueya Cai; Rafael H Orfin; Chiamaka Azogini; Arlette Chávez-Iñiguez; Edgar Santa Cruz; Maansi Bansal-Travers; Karen M Wilson; Scott McIntosh; Deborah J Ossip; Ana Paula Cupertino Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-08-14 Impact factor: 4.614